Launched in 1988 as the "Consortium," the (ISC)² was created by several organizational members of the Special Interest Group for Computer Security (SIG-CS) to create a global certification process for IS professionals, as well as address the growing need for a standardized curriculum.

Formally established in 1989, its first Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) prototype also was completed that year. By 1990, the first CBK working committee was formed, and by 1992, it had finalized the CBK’s general contents.

The (ISC)²'s first certification, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), was established in 1994 and also had its first exam that year.